THE EFFECTS OF POLYVINYL CHLORIDE AND POLYOLEFIN BLOOD BAGS ON RED BLOOD CELLS STORED IN A NEW ADDITIVE SOLUTION

Abstract

The standard collection system container for blood donation is composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with a plasticizer, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). There are several advantages to this system. Serendipitously, it was discovered that DEHP leaches from the bag into the blood and lengthens the storage life of red cells. Unfortunately, DEHP has been shown to be toxic in laboratory animals. While the degree to which this is applicable to toxicity in humans is unclear, many that have studied the animal data have advocated that an alternative collection system be found. More recently, other groups have been calling for an alternative based on the health and environmental concerns. The large-scale production of PVC and DEHP has resulted in widespread environmental contamination and occupational hazards. Additionally, the incineration of the blood bags as medical waste generates dioxins and other halogenated hydrocarbons. The process of providing blood for transfusion with the current system has not been an environmentally benign process. However, a new storage solution recently developed, Experimental Additive Solution #61 (EAS-61), showed promise that an alternative material could be used to store blood. This study examined whether this additive solution would permit acceptable shelf-life of blood in polyolefin (PO), eliminating the need for the chlorine-containing plastic as well as the plasticizer, by measuring the major in vitro parameters associated with red cell quality when stored in both plastics. While EAS-6I improves storage of red cells in PVC/DEHP, this study was unable to show that it would do the same in an alternative material. The quality of the red cells stored in PO does not meet the standards for blood provided for transfusion.